Lawmen: Bass Reeves

Being a big fan of both westerns and Taylor Sheridan I can say I've been looking forward to this ever since I first heard about it. It did not disappoint. It's shows how this hero, Bass Reeves, will do anything to take care of his family and bring justice to this who deservee it, even if that means working along side racists and other people he didn't like. There have been a few portrayals of this character over the years but David Oyelowo is by far the best yet. He makes what would still be a good show a great one. It's action packed and intelligent at the same time. Can't wait to see what Sheridan does next.

"Lawmen: Bass Reeves," a recent addition to Taylor Sheridan's repertoire, begins its narrative journey at a slower pace than his renowned works like "Yellowstone" or "1883." Initially, this slower tempo might feel less captivating, especially for those accustomed to the gripping beginnings typical of Sheridan's series. The show employs numerous time jumps, a storytelling technique that, while effective in progressing the narrative, contributes to a somewhat disjointed initial rhythm.

A striking aspect of the series is how swiftly we see Bass Reeves and his family age. This rapid progression, while necessary for the story, can at times feel abrupt, leaving viewers longing for a more gradual depiction of their growth and evolution.

However, the series finds its footing with the introduction of a clear antagonist. This pivotal moment seems to steer the narrative with a newfound sense of purpose and direction, transforming it into a more traditional hero-versus-villain tale. The gunfights, a staple in such stories, do fall into the familiar trope where villains inexplicably miss their shots, even against a hero in plain sight. This element, albeit clichéd, doesn't detract significantly from the overall enjoyment of the series.

The show concludes with a finale that feels like a fitting conclusion to the legend of Bass Reeves. It encapsulates his journey sufficiently, giving viewers a sense of completion. While the ending is well-executed, the pacing of the series as a whole suggests that a few additional episodes could have provided a more balanced narrative flow. The initial slowness and the somewhat rushed conclusion leave one contemplating what could have been with a more evenly paced storyline.

In summary, "Lawmen: Bass Reeves" is another commendable effort by Sheridan, showcasing his storytelling prowess. Despite not reaching the heights of popularity seen in "Yellowstone" or "1883," it stands as a solid portrayal of a legendary figure. The show navigates through its pacing challenges to deliver a story that is engaging and, ultimately, satisfying. It's a testament to Sheridan's ability to craft compelling narratives, even when they tread a more conventional path.

All my life I've heard the stories of Bass Reeves, and it automatically makes for a Hollywood drama. The man was a legend. But every account I've ever seen about his life, always did a disservice. The movie that came out a few years ago is no exception. The cartoonish mustache, the cliched shootouts, and the unrealistic dialogue made me want my 90 minutes back. I went into this expecting more of the same.

The first thing that caught my attention, however, was the cast. David Oyelowo has never played a bad character. But then I see Dennis Quaid, Donald Sutherland, Shea Whigham, and Barry Pepper, my first thought was sheesh. You almost CAN'T mess this movie up. Turned out I was right. The acting is subtle, even if the old school southern dialect is a little strained. The character development doesn't seem rushed. The cinematography is beautiful. It's a great show all around, and the end of each episode so far, makes you want to stay up past your bed time to watch the next. Hats off to a fantastic cast, and finally a storyline that does justice to this forgotten hero.

Turns out this is well made, well filmed. Great show. So what is it with these paltry little 8 episode seasons we keep getting nowadays. ??

Epic fail by the makers.

Apparently based on a True story (no, I hadn't heard about this either !). Ina h episode was good. An underlying story running along through the series but just not enough details and episodes so what could have been a sprawling epic was left as too short, too time lapsed over periods of time and therefor just slightly unsatisfying. Hope it that this is successful so they some item can be made with better continuity and detail. (Oh and more than 8 episodes please!!!)

I enjoyed the first 5 or 6 episodes, but the last ones were a little out there and short. The last episode left me with questions unanswered, perhaps that was the intent. Over all a 7 at best. I enjoy most of Taylor Sheridan's stories/shows/endeavors, but I am glad this one is not setup for another season - or don't think it is. The shows with multiple seasons take far too long between them - so much so that I loose interest and let alone remember what was in the prior season. I truly believe it would be better to conclude some of his other shows like Yellowstone (if it is ending); or 1923 before coming out with more new ones.